Sustainability on the Frontline of Online Education

• Europe
• 1 Jul 2024

A new series of online training sessions for hospitality businesses, focusing on community engagement, energy and greenhouse gases, as well as food and water management, has been developed by Booking.com in collaboration with UN Tourism. The courses have been launched on the Tourism Online Academy (TOA), a collaborative project between UN Tourism and IE University.

The four Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) address crucial aspects of sustainability to drive change in production and consumption patterns. While targeted at hospitality businesses, the courses are also available to the general public. They focus on:     

• Energy and climate action: For hospitality, efficient energy use and reducing greenhouse gases are steps towards more resilient operations. The industry can play an important role in the fight against climate change while also reducing operational costs. 
• Food management: In this area, adopting sustainable practices is key to minimizing waste, supporting local economies, and promoting healthier, more responsible consumption patterns.  
• Water efficiency: With water as an increasingly scarce resource in many parts of the world, these online courses will help hospitality businesses reduce wastage and boost efficiency.  
• Community engagement: Lastly, engaging with local communities is pivotal in fostering a model that empowers the very heart of tourism destinations – their people – while providing vibrant tourism experiences.  

All the courses are available on the UN Tourism Online Academy free of cost and offer the possibility of obtaining a certificate of completion for a symbolic fee. Access the courses here: 

• Your Journey to More Sustainable Energy Management 
• Your Journey to More Sustainable Food Management 
• Your Journey to More Sustainable Water Management 
• Your Journey to More Sustainable Community Engagement  

This online education initiative led by Booking.com supports the implementation of the One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme which UN Tourism leads in collaboration with UNEP.  

Related Links

• Download News Release on PDF
• One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme

UN Tourism Joins Launch of Ireland’s first Sustainable Tourism Observatory

• Europe
• 3 May 2024

UN Tourism has celebrated the official launch of the Atlantic Sustainable Tourism Observatory Ireland (ASTOI) in Sligo, Ireland.

The Observatory, which has been admitted into the International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO) underscores Ireland's commitment to fostering sustainable practices within its tourism industry. To mark the occasion, a delegation from UN Tourism met with the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media, Mrs. Catherine Martin to discuss the latest developments in tourism sustainability and resilience, and the importance of joining forces to meet jointly the planetary crisis.  

ASTOI will collaborate closely with destinations along the Atlantic coast, on the islands and in the Heartlands region to monitor, evaluate, and promote sustainable tourism initiatives, ensuring environmental conservation, socio-economic development and cultural preservation. The observatory stands for a commitment to evidence- based decision making based on participatory approaches and transparency. 

The Observatory will monitor, among other issues, 11 key areas that touch upon all three sustainability pillars, including climate change, water, wastewater and energy management, as well as local satisfaction and accessibility.  

About INSTO 

The UN Tourism International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO) is a network of tourism observatories monitoring the economic, environmental and social impact of tourism at the destination level. The initiative is based on UN Tourism’s long-standing commitment to the sustainable and resilient growth of the sector through measurement and monitoring, supporting the evidence-based management of tourism. ASTOI joined the INSTO network in November 2023, during the annual meeting of its constituencies in Madrid. 

• Download News Release on PDF

UN Tourism and Hotelschool The Hague to Drive Innovation in Hospitality

• Europe
• 23 Apr 2024

UN Tourism and Hotelschool The Hague, have agreed to partner around the development and execution of pioneering projects in the hospitality industry.

A new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aims to stimulate innovation and fresh ventures within the hospitality industry, promoting entrepreneurship and education while engaging in open innovation projects that can enhance the tourism industry, with a particular focus on hospitality. Currently, 20% of entrepreneurs of the UN Tourism Network are directly related to hospitality and are the most dynamic projects including a variety of stakeholders of the industry.

Building on the UN Tourism's established innovation network, this agreement will further facilitate connections between startups and potential investors, as well as promote knowledge and skills through joint events, communication channels, and media interactions. This partnership not only underlines a commitment to a more sustainable future for the industry but also signifies a shared commitment to providing inclusive opportunities and memorable global student experiences, demonstrated through Hotelschool The Hague's global Sustainable Hospitality Challenge.

Strong foundations for innovative future

Ms. Natalia Bayona, Executive Director of UN Tourism, expresses: "Unfortunately 90% of startups within the hospitality sector eventually do not succeed. A decent tourism education and knowledge of the hospitality sector is necessary to develop a disruptive and well-functioning product. Through our collaborative efforts, we aspire to alter this trajectory by offering a more robust foundation, fostering invaluable connections, and providing a conducive testbed for emerging startups. Given that technology now permeates 70% of tourism enterprises, it is imperative that these startups are seamlessly integrated into the ecosystem, connected with pertinent stakeholders, and afforded the opportunity to validate their solutions in real-world settings before embarking on a larger scale.

Ms. Regine von Stieglitz, President of the Board of Directors of Hotelschool The Hague says: "At Hotelschool The Hague, we provide our students with the perfect balance of theory, real-world experience and applied research to prepare them for a career in the hospitality industry. We develop leaders who shape our global industry and drive it to give back more than it takes. We are proud to join forces with UN Tourism. We fully embrace their vision to Foster Innovation in the Hospitality Industry. In fact, our Sustainable Hospitality Challenge is a student competition designed to enhance the evolution of sustainable practices in hospitality, aligning seamlessly with the objectives of UN Tourism."

Hotelschool The Hague, founded and funded by the hospitality industry in 1929, provides high-quality education and cutting-edge research in the field of international hospitality management, with an emphasis on the transformation of sustainability and digitalization and on developing students into sought-after hospitality graduates who excel in leadership roles worldwide.

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European Committee of the Regions and UN Tourism break new ground with study on Rural Tourism and Development in Europe

• Europe
• 15 Apr 2024

UN Tourism has partnered with the European Committee of the Regions for a comprehensive study of the significant impact and potential of tourism in fostering socio-economic development in rural areas.

The report emphasizes the critical role of cooperation between these two organizations in bridging local and global efforts towards shared objectives. It showcases the potential of rural tourism to contribute to the resilience of regional and local communities, addressing challenges such as depopulation, inequality and limited access to basic services.

Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of UN Tourism says: "Tourism has the potential to transform societies, stimulate local economic development, and empower local communities. This joint study with the European Committee of the Regions underscores the importance of rural tourism in contributing to sustainable development in Europe."

Alves Vasco Cordeiro, President of the European Committee of the Regions says: "Free movement has always been at the heart of the European project. Tourism, as part of this mobility, has helped shape our European identity and is a powerful driver for growth and jobs, breathing new life into communities across Europe."

Key Findings

Tourism has the potential to transform societies, stimulate local economic development, and empower local communities

The study offers a comprehensive understanding of rural tourism and its impact on European regions, with a focus on:

• Resilience of Rural Tourism post-COVID: The report sheds light on the remarkable resilience displayed by rural tourism during and post-COVID-19. Despite global challenges, rural tourism witnessed a surge in popularity, particularly among local travelers. This resilience underscores its potential as a robust economic driver and showcases its ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
• Economic Diversification and Cultural Preservation: A key insight is the potential of rural tourism to drive economic diversification and job creation in rural areas. The study also underscores tourism's contribution to preserving cultural heritage. Rural tourism is seen as a bridge between tradition and modernity, fostering community participation and sustaining local services while preserving the unique identity of rural regions.
• Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Development: The study identifies challenges faced by rural areas, such as inadequate infrastructure, limited financial resources, and declining local populations. Simultaneously, it recognizes these challenges as opportunities for growth. By providing a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved, the report sets the stage for sustainable rural tourism development, urging stakeholders to navigate challenges thoughtfully.

Recommendations

The report offers a roadmap for policymakers, local governments, and stakeholders to harness the potential of rural tourism while addressing its challenges.

• Integrated Rural Value Chains and Collaboration: An overarching recommendation is the integration of rural value chains in tourism. The report emphasizes the need for collaboration between businesses and stakeholders to create synergies within the local economy. By maximizing economic benefits, this approach ensures a holistic and sustainable development trajectory for rural tourism.
• Digital Connectivity and Skills: Recognizing the digital divide in rural areas, the report recommends a focused effort on improving digital connectivity. It underscores the importance of digital skills development to empower rural stakeholders in leveraging technology effectively. By addressing these aspects, the report aims to enhance the digital readiness of rural communities, unlocking new opportunities in the digital era.
• Alignment with Consumer Trends and Sustainable Practices: Acknowledging evolving consumer trends and the need to place sustainability at the heart of tourism development, the report encourages responsible travel initiatives, that not only meet changing consumer expectations but also contribute to broader sustainability goals. This recommendation positions rural tourism as a catalyst for positive environmental and social impact.

Related links

• Download News Release on PDF
• UN Tourism: Tourism and Rural Development
• “Tourism and Rural Development: A Policy Perspective”
• “Tourism and Rural Development: Understanding Challenges on the Ground – Lessons learned from the Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO Initiative”
• Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism
• Studies (europa.eu)

UN Tourism and Croatia to Establish Research Centre for Sustainable Tourism

• Europe
• 12 Apr 2024

UN Tourism is to work with the Government Croatia and the University of Zagreb to establish a research and development centre focused on sustainable tourism.

Croatia currently serves on UN Tourism’s Committee on Tourism and Sustainability, having chaired it between 2019 and 2023. Alongside the Government’s record of promoting responsible and sustainable tourism practices, this clear leadership and support for UN Tourism’s core values make it the ideal location to host a collaborative platform to drive innovation and catalyse positive change in the tourism sector.  

Croatia leads by example in growing tourism in a sustainable manner

This landmark centre will engage stakeholders from the public and private sectors, academia, and civil society to will address some of the most critical challenges facing tourism, including:  

• Reducing the Environmental Impact of Tourism: The centre will prioritize initiatives to minimize waste generation and plastic usage, thereby mitigating the environmental footprint of tourism activities. 
• Increasing Usage of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency: By promoting the adoption of renewable energy sources and implementing energy-efficient practices, the centre aims to reduce carbon emissions associated with tourism operations. 
• Accelerating Adaptation to Climate Change: Recognizing the urgent need to address climate-related risks, the centre will support adaptation strategies to enhance the resilience of tourism destinations and communities. 
• Preserving Social Sustainability and Local Communities: The centre will work to safeguard the cultural heritage and livelihoods of local communities by promoting responsible tourism practices and equitable distribution of benefits. 
• Enhancing Evidence-Based Policy Making: Through rigorous research and data analysis, the centre will provide policymakers with the evidence needed to formulate effective policies that balance tourism development with environmental and social considerations. 
• Providing Relevant and Updated Research: The centre will serve as a hub for cutting-edge research and knowledge exchange, delivering timely insights and best practices for the sustainable development of tourism. 

In Zagreb, the Minister of Tourism and Sport of Croatia Nikolina Brnjac and UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili signed a Memorandum of Understanding to create the cutting-edge research institution.  

Welcoming the collaboration, Secretary-General Pololikashvili said: “Croatia leads by example in growing tourism in a sustainable manner. The new research centre in Zagreb will contribute to UN Tourism’s commitment to data-driven policymaking at the regional, national and destination level, ensuring tourism grows responsibly and inclusively, for the benefit of communities everywhere.”   

Minister of Tourism and Sport of Croatia Nikolina Brnjac adds: “I am proud that UN Tourism, the most relevant tourism organization globally, has recognized our efforts in Croatian tourism management reform and our strong commitment to sustainable tourism and put forward the initiative to create the first UN Tourism Centre for sustainable tourism in Croatia together with the Ministry of Tourism and Sport of the Republic of Croatia. With the University of Zagreb as a partner in the establishment of this Centre, I am convinced that this Centre will be successful and provide very relevant research for future sustainable development of tourism.” 

Related Links:

• Download News Release on PDF
• UN Tourism: Regional Department for Europe
• Transforming Tourism for Climate Action
• Sustainable tourism development